Base platform sport and gymnastic appliance with selectively connectible additional components

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for exercising and performing gymnastics in which a circular base platform is provided with holding structure for the feet and devices permitting the connection of selected additional components with the base platform, whereby the apparatus may be used in many different ways. For this purpose, the apparatus is useable together with rollers for moving the platform in a substantially vertical position, or with swivel rollers for moving the base platform in a horizontal position. Additional components include a chain which is provided with hand-rollers and a contact-ring having a ballbearing and contact segments for position recording.

United States Patent 1 Merz [ 1 BASE PLATFORM SPORT AND GYMNASTIC APPLIANCE WITH SELECTHVELY CONNECTIBLE ADDITIONAL COMEONENTS {76] Inventor: Christof Merz, Schoppershofstr. 75,

8500 Nurnberg, Germany [22] Filed: Apr. 6, 1972 211 App]. No.: 241,575

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 6, 1971 Germany 2116657 Mar. 20, 1972 Germany 2212443 [52] [1.8. CI 272/57 .1; 272/58; 272/83 R; 272/DIG. 2; 272/DIG. 5

[51] Int. Cl A631) 23/00 [58] Field of Search... 272/57 R, 57 A, 57 D, 79 R, 272/80, 83 R, DIG. 5, 58, DIG. 2; 280/35, 87.04 R, 87.04 A, 87.04 B, 87.01

[ July 22, 1975 Primary Examiner-Anton O. Oechsle Assistant Examiner-R. T. Stouffer Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Holman & Stern [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for exercising and performing gymnastics in which a circular base platform is provided with holding structure for the feet and devices permitting the connection of selected additional components with the base platform, whereby the apparatus may be used in many different ways. For this purpose, the apparatus is useable together with rollers for moving the platform in a substantially vertical position, or with swivel rol- Iers for moving the base platform in a horizontal position. Additional components include a chain which is provided with hand-rollers and a contact-ring having a ballbearing and contact segments for position record- 5 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUL22 I975 3. 895, 795 SHEET 3 WWW/W/WAVWA /Q M T NT mmzz ms 3.895795 SHEET 4 Lite 'lm O mu 5 BASE PLATFORM SPORT AND (IYMNASTIC APPLIANCE WITH SELECTIVELY CONNECTIBLE ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns sport and gymnastic apparatus which includes a level circular base platform provided with holding means for the feet and devices for selective connections with additional componets.

A platform of similar type is known from prior art; however, this plate is proposed only for the base plate in vertical position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is within the scope of the present invention to construct the apparatus in such a manner that it is usable in a multitude of ways. For this purpose, it is proposed to utilize the device together with rollers for moving the platform in a substantially vertical position, or with swivel rollers for moving the base platform in a horizontal position. Diagonal-supports are provided in order to fix the position of the base platform. Additional components include a chain which is provided with hand-rollers and a contact-ring having a ballbearing contact segments for position recording. There is thus provided training apparatus for nearly all types of sport-type disciplines. In addition, the use of this apparatus provides the possibility for therapeutic physical exercises. especially in a case in which there are broken bones or fractures.

The use of the base platform alone enables a balanced form of exercising the muscles of the stomach, back, and hand, when the platform is placed upright after positioning of the feet with the body being turned on its longitudinal axis.

In order to assist a beginner to make these excercises easier, the base platform may be equipped with rollers; said rollers are positioned parallel to each other and are in the major plane with the base platform, whereby the base platform is fixedly arranged in the center, but movable at all sides. This will enable exercises to be performed for the upwards and downwards moving of the tips of the feet in the push-up position, whereby, simultaneously, use of the back, stomach, and arm muscles is made, even though such use is only static.

In another form of embodiment, tilt rollers capable of a limited tilt are attached to the base platform and the platform is positioned with its major plane parallel to the floor. This embodiment enables the simulation of the swinging motion as required in skiing, which could furthermore be improved by using ski-poles having rubber-buffers in place of the pole-tips.

The apparatus according to the instant invention also permits the performance of stationary exercises without the need forproviding special holder means. For this purpose, diagonal tubes which are arranged in the main-level of the base platform are connected thereto.

In an especially interesting embodiment, a handroller is utilized, including two rollers which are connected by means of an axle, with said axle having handgrips arranged to be rotatable thereabout. The hand grips are sideways movably arranged on the axle and are equipped with brake-blocks so that the rollers are stopped outwardly during the moving of the grips. It is thereby advantageous to connect the roller with the base platform, for example, by means of a chain, in

order to produce the longest possible distance between the hands and the feet of the person performing the exercises, since otherwise there would be excessive stresses. During use, the brake means for the handrollers, for example, is set, and the base platform which is then equipped with the coaxial rollers, may be pulled into the direction of the hand-roller with the use of the feet. After release of the brakes, the hand-roller may be moved forward, while the legs either remain in their original position, or roll backwards, which in itself is actually of no importance to the result of the exercise. Of importance is the fact that stomach and back muscles are thereby not only stretched but are also exercised in the bending position.

A further embodiment of the device according to the instant invention is especially suitable for therapeutic exercises during which the patient may be seated on a chair. In this embodiment, the base platform is positioned to be movable to all sides by means of a ballbearing and provisions are made so that a multitude of positions of the foot are indicated by means of a signalling device. This device permits various positions of the most extensive turning angle of the feet which can be determined so that during a systematic performance of such exercises for several days and weeks, the progress of movability of the angle can be precisely observed. Of course, this device may also be utilized as a pure exercising-machine, whereby the progress of training may be recorded.

The instant invention is more clearly explained by referring to the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I shows a plan view of the apparatus according to the instant invention;

FIG. 2 shows vertical crosssectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus in use;

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the apparatus in use;

FIG. 5 shows a swivel-roller;

FIG. 6 illustrates the stand-support;

FIG. 7 shows the apparatus with a hand-roller during use;

FIG. 8 shows the apparatus according to FIG. 7 during a different use;

FIG. 9 shows a detail of the hand-roller;

FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the apparatus; and

FIG. 11 shows a different embodiment of the apparatus according to FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a circular base platform 1 provided with cross-pieces 2 for holding a closed ring 3 which encircles the entire base platform at the distance of its circumference and which may be manufactured of a round material. Halter means 4 are provided ,for the heels of shoes, while straps 5 and 6 are present for securing the tips of the shoes. To secure the straps 5 and 6, U-shaped brackets 8 and 9 are provided. Tapered holding means 10 through 13 such as sockets are attached to the base platform 1 for platform having inserted therein additional accessory equipment.

FIG. 3 shows the use of the apparatus in the push-up position. The base platform 1 is placed in a vertical position. It may be rolled off onto the floor by turning the body around its longitudinal axis. In order to retain the platform 1 more easily in its vertical position, a space is arranged between the platform 1 and the ring 3, so that the circumference of the ring is larger than that of the platform and on whichit rolls.

FIG. 4 illustrates, as does FIG. I, tread rollers 16 and 17 inserted into the holder means 10 and 13 (FIG. 1). The base platform 1 is arranged in the center to be tiltable to all sides by means of a ball-bearing 18, which itself is mounted on a wall 19. In such an arrangement, the platform may be tilted with the aid of the tread rollers 16 and 17. This embodiment is especially suitable for beginners.

FIG. shows a swivel roller 20, and a holder bracket 21 by which the roller is inserted into the holder means m 13 according to FIG. I. A swivel axle 22 is vertically directed towards the floor and a pivot 23 of the swivel roller 2t) is parallel to the floor A holder means 24 for the pivot 23 consists of a U-shaped bracket whereby the pivot 23 is positioned on the free ends of the sides. The turning capacity of the swivel roller is controlled by a buffer 25 which is mounted on the holder bracket 21 and engages the U-shaped bracket.

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement by which the base platform may be maintained in a steady position without special holding devices. it will be seen that the holder means W413 of the platform 1 are arranged about the perimeter of the platform such that when flat bars 2627 are positioned in the holder means, the bars are located approximately 90 apart which provides the best stability.

The base platform 1, according to FlGS. 7 and 8, is also provided with tread rollers 16 and 17, of which only roller 17 is shown in the drawings. A chain 30 is connected at one end to the ring 3, and at the other end to a hand-roller which, according to FIG. 9, is arranged to be freely movable. The chain serves to limit the distance between the base platform and the hands of the user, in order that thebody will not be stressed excessively.

The band-roller according to FIG. 9 includes primarily an axle 31 with wheels 32 and 33. Hooks 34 and 35 are freely rotatably arranged on the axle 31, and one chain 30 is attached to each of the hooks. These chains may be equipped in their center with an elastic member 36, which is completely expanded at the greatest distance between the platform and handroller, with the purpose of pulling together the chain while the two parts move towards each other, and to prevent these parts from rolling into each other.

A shaft 37 is arranged on the axle 31 to be freely rotatable, with said shaft being provided with two hand grips .38 and 39 which are arranged to slide end-wise on said shaft but with the aid of a wedge 40 are prevented from rotating with respect to the shaft. Brake blocks 41 and 42 are mounted at the outer ends of the grips 38 and 39, and said brake-blocks are in selective engagement with the wheels 32 and 33, and thus function as brake means.

The chain 30 is constructed so that its length may be changed by means of a hook 43.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the base platform 1 arranged on a swivel carriage 47 is tiltable to all sides,

with said swivel carriage ,-;arranged to be tilted on its horizontal axis by means of a ball bearing 46.

A ring 48 consisting ofa metallic conductive material is arranged at the bottom side of the base platform 1, while electrical contact segments are arranged on that area of the swivel carriage 47 which faces the ring 48 with, the segments 55 being electrically insulated from each other and from the platform. Each element is positioned in an electric circuit with a lightbulb 49 and the electrical arrangement is such that the lamp will glow when, for example, the ring 48 is brought into contact with the upper segments 55 through the forward tilting of the foot-tips. The glowing of the lamp may be accomplished in the same manner at contacts of other areas, i.e., at a different position of the foot.

The distance between base platform 1 and swivel carriage 47 may be changed by means of a worm-gear spindle 50, so that the maximum deflection of the foot is changeable. Also the tilting of the swivel carriage 47 towards the floor-plate may be changed and observed.

The apparatus according to FIG. 10 serves for the ,positioning of two feet and'these are both arranged adjacent the spindle 50.

A device for one foot only is shown in FIG. 11. A spherical joint 52 is, in this instance, arranged below the base platform 1, while an adjusting pivot 53 is attached to the swivel carriage 47.

A vertical rod shown in FIG, 10 by numeral 54 serves for securing the patient when the swivel carriage 47 is set on a short angle to a bottom plate 51, or when the exercises should be carried out with a completely horizontal swivel carriage 47.

It is claimed:

1. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the users body is substantiallyv normal to the major plane of the base platform, further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, a ring of greater diameter than the base platform secured to and spaced laterally from said one surface and on which ring the base platform can turn whenthe base platform is in a vertical position, one additional component including two rollers having their axles located coaxially to each other and parallel to the majorplane of the base platform, so that with the base platform in a vertical position and being in engagement with .a bearing member at substantially the center of the other surface of the base platform, the base platform can be tilted forwardly and rearwardly by virtue of the rollers. I i

2. A sport and gymnastic appliance comprising a circular baseplatform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one ofthe surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the users body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and'further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, one additional component including swivel rollers connected tothe base platform at substantially right angles thereto so that when the base platform is in the horizontal position, the base platform can be rotated.

3. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circularbase platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the users body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform. a carriage. means mounting the carriage for tilting movement on a horizontal axis, and means mounting the base platform on the carriage for tilting movement, and spindle means for adjusting the distance between the base platform and the carriage.

4. The sport and gymnastic appliance as claimed in claim 3, including a closed contact ring provided on the surface of the base platform facing the carriage, the side of the carriage facing the base platform being pro vided with contact segments, an electric circuit, and a signal device in the electric circuit, the arrangement being such that upon tilting the base platform contact between the contact ring and a contact segment closes the electric circuit thereby activating the signal device.

5. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the users body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, one of said additional components comprising a roller having wheels, an axle for the wheels, hand grips arranged on the axle for movement lengthwise along the axle and locked against rotation with respect to each other, brake blocks at the outer ends of the hand grips for braking the wheels and a chain connected with the base platform and the roller to limit the distance between the base platform and the hands of the user when the base platform is in a vertical position. 

1. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the user''s body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, a ring of greater diameter than the base platform secured to and spaced laterally from said one surface and on which ring the base platform can turn when the base platform is in a vertical position, one additional component including two rollers having their axles located coaxially to each other and parallel to the major plane of the base platform, so that with the base platform in a vertical position and being in engagement with a bearing member at substantially the center of the other surface of the base platform, the base platform can be tilted forwardly and rearwardly by virtue of the rollers.
 2. A sport and gymnastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the user''s body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, one additional component including swivel rollers connected to the base platform at substantially right angles thereto so that when the base platform is in the horizontal position, the base platform can be rotated.
 3. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the user''s body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, a carriage, means mounting the carriage for tilting movement on a horizontal axis, and means mounting the base platform on the carriage for tilting movement, and spindle means for adjusting the distance between the base platform and the carriage.
 4. The sport and gymnastic appliance as claimed in claim 3, including a closed contact ring provided on the surface of the base platform facing the carriage, the side of the carriage facing the base platform being provided with contact segments, an electric circuit, and a signal device in the electric circuit, the arrangement being such that upon tilting the base platform contact between the contact ring and a contact segment closes the electric circuit thereby activating the signal device.
 5. A sport and gynmastic appliance comprising a circular base platform having opposite surfaces, holding means on one of the surfaces for the feet of the user so that when the feet are positioned in the holding means, the user''s body is substantially normal to the major plane of the base platform, and further means on said one surface spaced from said holding means for permitting the selective connection of additional components to the base platform, one of said additional components comprising a roller having wheels, an axle for the wheels, hand grips arranged on the axle for movement lengthwise along the axle and locked against rotation with respect to each other, brake blocks at the outer ends of the hand grips for braking the wheels and a chain connected with the base platform and the roller to limit the distance between the base platform and the hands of the user when the base platform is in a vertical position. 